Champagne Drappier
Champagne house in Urville, Côte des Bar.
- Village
- Urville
- Region
- Côte des Bar
- Founded
- 1808
- Cuvées in the guide
- 17
Champagne Drappier is a family business founded in 1808 by François Drappier in Urville, in the Côte des Bar. The house is unique for its use of historic cellars from 1152, built by the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Clairvaux under the leadership of Saint Bernard. The family is currently in its eighth generation, led by Michel Drappier (since 1979) and assisted by his children Charline, Hugo and Antoine (since 2016).
Vineyards and Grapes
The estate manages roughly 65 to 75 hectares of vineyards, a significant share of which (up to 55-57 ha of own land) lies in Urville. The grape varieties are distributed as follows:
- Pinot Noir: 70% of the area, the dominant variety forming the backbone.
- Chardonnay: 15%, strategically planted on eastern slopes.
- Pinot Meunier: 13-15%.
- Forgotten varieties: The house also cultivates rare grapes such as Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Blanc Vrai (Pinot Blanc) and, since 2013, Fromenteau (Pinot Gris).
Method and Philosophy
Drappier is known for its authenticity and natural approach. The winemakers use minimal sulphite addition and follow a non-interventionist vinification. The house is a pioneer in the production of Brut Nature champagnes with no added sugar, and even a Brut Nature Sans Soufre (without sulphites) for allergic customers. The vineyards are worked organically (certified since 2023) and the house is one of the few independent champagne houses still entirely family-owned.
Well-Known Cuvées
Production is about 1.5 million bottles a year, ranging from half bottles to the rare Melchisédech (30 litres). Some important cuvées are:
- Grande Sendrée: The prestigious cuvée de prestige, a reproduction of an 18th-century bottle, consisting of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.
- Carte d'Or: A classic with 80-90% Pinot Noir, 36 months of ageing on the lees and a low dosage of 6.5 g/l.
- Charles de Gaulle: A special blend of 80% Pinot Noir, named after the French president who lived nearby.
- Brut Nature & Rosé de Saignée: For lovers of dry, pure champagnes.
Cuvées by Drappier
Importers
Drappier is imported by: Gall & Gall, Henri Bloem, Jean Arnaud Wijncom b.v., Petit Clos.
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Drappier: Bottle Hero, Cavissima, Gall & Gall, Heeren van Heusden, Henri Bloem Amstelveen, L'Atelier du Champagne, Petit Clos.
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